234 Scientific Intelligence. 
method of consuming the smoke of the engines of steam-boats, 
I beg leave to propose it as a subject of experiment. In the 
case of the stove, (which a short time before had the whole 
surface of the ignited coal covered with slack), I observed that 
a sudden accession of air at the inner end of the fire-place, i. e. 
the end nearest the chimney, caused a considerable explosion, 
and burst of flame, which reached far up the chimney. This must 
have arisen from the inflammation of the coal-gas which had been 
previously passing quietly up the pipe. The Are in steam -boat 
boilers is very similarly situated to that in this stove , and it ap- 
pears to me, that if one or more cast-iron pipes were passed 
through the sides of the boiler, so as to make a stream of air 
play on the back end of the fire, the inflammable gas generated 
when fresh fuel is thrown in would be inflamed as fast as pro- 
duced, and the smoke and tar would be in a great measure con- 
sumed, thus affording additional heat, and removing a nuisance. 
The iron-tubes might at the same time serve as stays for sup- 
porting the sides of the boilers. 
39. School of Arts . — A School of Arts has been established 
in Edinburgh, for the instruction of mechanics in such branches 
of science as are of practical application in their several trades. 
Lectures on Practical Mechanics and Practical Chemistry will 
be delivered twice a week during the winter season. A 
library, containing books on popular and practical Science, has 
already been established. 
The Institution will be conducted under the direction of the 
following Committee : 
David Brewster LL. D. F. R. S. L., and Sec. R. S. E. 
Professor Pillans, F. R. S. E. 
James Skene. Esq. of Rubislaw, F. R. S. E, 
John Murray, Esq. Advocate. 
George Forbes, Esq. F. R. S E., Treasurer. 
Leonard Horner, F. R. S. of L. & E., Secretary. 
James Jardine, Esq. F. R. S. E. Civil Engineer. 
William Playfair, Esq. Architect. 
The Deacon of the Incorporation of Hammermen. 
The Deacon of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths. 
The Deacons of the Incorporation of Mary’s Chapel. 
Mr James Milne, Brass-Founder. 
Mr Robert Bryson, Watchmaker. 
Mr John Ruthven, Engineer and Printer. 
Mr James Cochrane, Clerk Librarian . 
Donations in Books and Models will be gratefully received by 
the Committee. 
